NAP: New car owners to suffer too

As usual, Malaysians won't react and stand up for those affected because they themselves are not affected. In this case, the new car owners will not stand up and fight for the old car owners.

But there is a whole bigger picture here that will affect new car owners under the clause 'prohibition of import of used parts starting 2011'.

What this means is this. Let's say - hypothetically - your Toyota Vios gets involved in an accident, and the bumper as well as the front headlamp is damaged. Where do you go to get the spare parts?

Nowadays, you would go to the 'potong' shop which sells first-choice used car parts for the various imported makes. Either you would pay for repairs on your own or if the insurance companies would pay for it.

Now imagine if there are no more 'potong' shops because after 2011, they would not be allowed to import used car parts anymore What will happen then?

Wouldn't your insurance premiums double-up instantly? You are already paying for expensive cars, now spare parts for them will also be super-expensive!

Currently, when you have a problem with your alternator or your air-con compressor, your first choice would be a reconditioned unit, right? Imagine, a brand new alternator for foreign makes like Toyota could cost you RM2000, but a reconditioned one only RM500.

The statements released by the car makers - both foreign and national - in Malaysia regarding the NAP clearly show they have vested interests in this issue and they will make a big profit at the expense of all Malaysian motorists.

So new car-owners, please band together with us old car-owners to put a stop to this. Our collective voices can be heard and the government will have to listen. Remember the teaching of science and maths in English some time back?

Didn't the government change its stance a few days later after the massive protests? If you don't want to support the abolishment of the inspection for cars 15 years or older, never mind. At least help us abolish this 'prohibition of import of used parts'. Let's act now and together!